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Behind the Bullet: .22 LR

There’s a good reason that the .22 LR is often a hunter’s first rifle; it’s the perfect blend of low report, complete lack of recoil and affordability.

Behind the Bullet: 28 Nosler

The modern trend in cartridge design is to shun the belted magnum case to avoid the stretching associated with it, and embrace the beltless, rimless designs. If you agree with that sentiment, the 28 Nosler will appeal to you.

Behind the Bullet: .416 Ruger

Introduced in 2008, the .416 Ruger is the only commercially produced cartridge in that .416-inch bore diameter designed to fit in a long-action receiver, making it an ideal choice for dangerous game.

Behind the Bullet: .270 Winchester Short Magnum

Loosely based on a shortened .404 Jeffery case with the rim rebated to the .535-inch case head of the H&H family, the .270 WSM was the third commercial cartridge using the .277-inch bore diameter, and betters the velocity of the .270 Winchester by 200 to 250 fps.

Behind the Bullet: 6.5 PRC

If you’re in the market for a cartridge that will do double duty in both the hunting fields and on the target range, with a bit more horsepower than the Creedmoor provides, the 6.5 PRC is worth a hard look.

Behind the Bullet: 6.5x55 Swedish

While there may be a shine on some of the modern releases in the 6.5mm bore diameter, the 6.5x55 Swedish still makes a sound choice for the practical hunter due to its combination of terminal ballistics, flat trajectory and minimal recoil.

Behind the Bullet: .223 Remington

Undoubtedly one of our nation’s favorite cartridges, the .223 Remington is capable of hair-splitting accuracy in a properly built rifle, has enough velocity for a respectable trajectory, and with the heavier bullets with a higher BC, can resist wind deflection rather well.

Behind the Bullet: 6.8 Western

Winchester and Browning have collaborated to produce the 6.8 Western—a new take on the concept of the .270 WSM, using heavier bullets and a faster twist rate than previous iterations of the Winchester cartridges have used. Essentially, the 6.8 Western picks up where the .270 WSM leaves off, and delivers a whole lot more.

Behind the Bullet: .17 Hornet

The .17 Hornet, son of the classic .22 Hornet, is a well-balanced design. Sharing the rimmed design of the parent case, it feeds nicely in a bolt-action repeating rifle, provides pinpoint accuracy and minimal recoil, and checks all the boxes for varmint hunting.

Behind the Bullet: .450 Nitro Express

Despite its rarity today, we all owe the .450 Nitro Express a debt of gratitude for the simple fact that it established a ballistic formula upon which so many dangerous game hunters rely.

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